Sat-nav goes on bay watch

Could this be the perfect partner for the self-parking Passat? It’s a sat-nav unit loaded with crime statistics, so it can tell drivers where it’s safe to leave their car.

The innovative system uses police data on reported offences, and warns owners if a specific area is a crime hotspot. That could mean high levels of car theft or vehicle damage.

If it’s a location known for car jacking, the kit will also warn drivers to lock their doors, or advise them to move to a safer part of town. The Gorilla software is being launched in Japan, but if it’s a success it’s likely to be rolled out worldwide.